Columbia 636-D – Celestin’s Original Tuxedo Jazz Orchestra – 1926

Please note: this article dates to Old Time Blues’ first year and does not meet the standard of quality to which more recent postings are held.  Thank you for your understanding.

Happy New Year 2016 from Old Time Blues!  January 1st also marks the 132nd anniversary of New Orleans cornet great Oscar “Papa” Celestin, so here’s some fine jazz by his Original Tuxedo Jazz Orchestra, I believe from his first electric recording session, though he did make some acoustic recordings prior to this one.

Columbia 636-D was recorded April 13, 1926 on location in New Orleans, Louisiana.  The band includes Oscar “Papa” Celestin on cornet, August Rousseau on trombone, Paul “Polo” Barnes on clarinet and alto sax, Earl Pierson on tenor sax, Jeanette Salvant on piano, John Marrero on banjo, and Abby Foster on drums.  Charles Gills sings the vocal on “My Josephine”.

Charles Gills sings the vocal refrain on “My Josephine”, a composition by reedman Paul Barnes.

My Josephine, recorded

My Josephine, recorded April 13, 1926 by Celestin’s Original Tuxedo Jazz Orchestra.

“Station Calls” is a hot instrumental number composed by banjoist John Marrero; New Orleans jazz through and through.

Station Calls, recorded

Station Calls, recorded April 13, 1926 by Celestin’s Original Tuxedo Jazz Orchestra.